Date

2-13-2026

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD)

Chair

Diane Pearce

Keywords

Childhood trauma, marital satisfaction, attachment

Disciplines

Psychology

Abstract

Childhood trauma and its negative impact on adult life is well documented as a growing global concern and has been a focus of research for many years. A growing body of literature has demonstrated its impact on psychological and physical health, as well as emotional and social well-being. However, research on how it affects marital satisfaction and variables that moderate this relationship is unexplored. Using the Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire (ACE) and Pearson correlation, the study examined the relationship between childhood trauma and marital satisfaction. Furthermore, a linear multiple linear regression was used to examine whether Experience in Close Relationship (ECR) and Religious Commitment (RCI) moderate the relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction. Results showed that number of childhood traumatic events experienced was positively correlated with marital satisfaction (r =0.228, p < 0.01). Regression results revealed that religious belief did not moderate the relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction (β = 0.094, p =.273). Additionally, regression results also showed that while adult secure attachment did not moderate the relationship between ACEs and marital satisfaction, it was negatively correlated with marital satisfaction (β = -0.064, p =.459). These results suggest that there might be unexplored contextual variables between childhood trauma and marital satisfaction. These results also challenge current models of trauma and provide insights for future studies.

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